SeaTac
Stargazing Guide.
Just 10.8 miles from the center of SeaTac, lies some of the region's best viewing at Covington Community Park. We feature instrumented readings from Burroughs Mountain to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for SeaTac
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Covington Community Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~10.8 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class B (Rural). Use the instrumented 4 rating from Burroughs Mountain as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Boeing Employees' Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near SeaTac offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
SeaTac acts as a primary gateway to the Covington Community Park zone. This proximity allows for scientific-grade viewing (Class 4) at Burroughs Mountain just a short 15-minute drive from the city center, making it a rare 'Hub' for serious observers.
The Best Times for Stargazing in SeaTac
Observation in SeaTac is most rewarding during the Summer months. During this time, the colder air masses over the Pacific region often result in significantly higher transparency, allowing you to see objects like the Andromeda Galaxy or Orion Nebula with much more definition.
Expert Tips for SeaTac Observers
Thermal equilibrium is key. Since SeaTac temperatures can shift rapidly after sunset, allow your telescope mirrors at least 45 minutes to 'cool down' before attempting high-magnification work at Covington Community Park. This prevents 'tube currents' from blurring your view of Jupiter or Saturn. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 4 at Burroughs Mountain (47.0 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in SeaTac
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. Max out your local session by using the essential observer gear staged for the SeaTac environment.
Covington Community Park
" Practically in SeaTac's backyard, we recommend this for spontaneous nights. Dress more warmly than you think necessay. Please be careful walking around after dark. "
Paramount School Park
" SeaTac observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
Snoqualmie Point Park
" A manageable drive from SeaTac, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Please, no white lights. Any cell phones and flashlights need to be tinted deep red. "
Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead
" Heading out from SeaTac toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Sky Contrast Tip: To see the Milky Way, wait for the Moon to go below the horizon; even a 25% crescent Moon can wash out the faintest nebulae. "
Big Rock Park
" Heading out from SeaTac toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Park in the lower lot near the street. If that lot is full please park in the lot as far from the middle field as you can with your headlights facing away from the fields. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for SeaTac
Rural conditions near SeaTac provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for SeaTac
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. Seeing the faint magnitude targets listed in these NPS readings often requires the specific gear we've staged for SeaTac nights in our observer field kit.
Burroughs Mountain
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
For observers in SeaTac, Burroughs Mountain serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"High Cirrus to North West"
Plummer Peak
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
For observers in SeaTac, Plummer Peak serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Plummer Peak in Mount Rainier NP on 9/23/2005. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.09 SQM."
Dark Sky Oasis near SeaTac
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Experience the full, pristine depth of these IDA certified skies with the precision stargazing gear we recommend for SeaTac residents.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
As one of the closest certified environments to SeaTac, Cottonwood Canyon State Park offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
99989 Highway 206
Antelope, Oregon
As one of the closest certified environments to SeaTac, Antelope, Oregon offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
94237 McGreer St. Antelope, OR 97001
Astronomy Clubs for SeaTac
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Planning to join a local session? Make sure you have the essentials ready by checking our starter kit recommendations.
Gearing Up for SeaTac Nights
"Staging for a night near SeaTac requires a balance of power and portability. Consider 10x50 binoculars as a primary scouting tool while your main telescope acclimates to the cooler rural air."
The SeaTac Field Kit
When observing near SeaTac, the local atmospheric stability and the immediate access to verified hubs are your primary logistical factors. The difference between the SeaTac city center and the instrumented readings at sites 11 miles away is staggering, requiring optics that can handle both glare and deep contrast. We've curated a specific progression of gear—from entry-level comfort to dedicated imaging hubs—to help you maximize every clear night.